Mission to expand learning opportunities for children in remote areas

ESG Impact Showcase is an annual award of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) to honor businesses and organizations in many different industries, based on assessment criteria on Environment, Society and Governance. In 2024, EQuest continues to be recognized by AmCham Vietnam for its efforts in contributing to narrowing the educational gap in remote and mountainous areas.

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EQuest received the ESG award for its persistent efforts in creating positive educational impact for the community. Photo: EQuest

Accordingly, since 2022, EQuest and iSMART Education - a member of EQuest Education Group, have implemented the Project of teaching English through Math and Science for primary school students in a combined direct and online format (iLink model) in the mountainous district of Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai). This is a long-term project lasting 5 years, aiming to solve the serious shortage of English teachers in this area, where one teacher has to teach more than 9,200 students in 16 primary schools.

Thanks to the iLink model, more than 3,600 students are learning 2 English lessons per week in Math and Science. Unlike traditional online classes, iLink connects teachers directly with students in the classroom through an online platform, overcoming geographical and resource barriers. This method not only helps students learn English but also enhances their knowledge of important subjects, which are difficult to access in mountainous areas due to a lack of teachers. At the same time, the project also supports 114 local teachers to improve their technology skills and teaching capacity, creating a clear change in the quality of education in this area, despite difficulties in infrastructure and Internet connection.

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Students in Mu Cang Chai participate in a class using the iLink model. Photo: EQuest

After 2 years of implementation, from having almost no access to foreign languages, now nearly 4,000 students in 16 schools in Mu Cang Chai have the opportunity to study English regularly every week. 114 local teachers have become proficient in using teaching technology. Student learning outcomes have improved significantly, with the rate of students scoring 7 or higher increasing by more than 30% in the 2023-2024 school year. In particular, in grade 4, the number of students with the highest scores (9-10) increased by nearly 50% compared to the previous year. The number of students scoring below average has also decreased significantly.

Dr. Dam Quang Minh - Deputy General Director of EQuest shared: “We believe that education is a solid foundation for a sustainable future, not only imparting knowledge but also creating positive changes for society. Therefore, we are committed to bringing the best educational opportunities to all students, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Every small contribution to education is a big investment in the future of the young generation.”

Putting education at the heart of ESG strategy

In addition to the flagship project to help children in remote mountainous areas, EQuest is also active in building an advanced and comprehensive education system, improving teaching quality and spreading positive educational values ​​to the community. In 2023, many of EQuest's outstanding projects were recognized by AmCham Vietnam at ESG Impact Showcase 2023. A typical example is the "School of Well-Being" project at Alpha Education System, supporting more than 1,000 students, teachers, staff and parents to access school psychology services. In July 2023, Alpha surpassed 744 other schools to become the Asian champion of the "AIA Healthiest School" contest.

In addition, EQuest also focuses on environmental protection and community welfare. The Green School project has been widely deployed in educational institutions, combining tree planting activities and environmental education. More than 5,000 EQuest employees have participated in health and work-life balance workshops, while hundreds of disadvantaged households in Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Dinh and Ben Tre have been supported on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2023.

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2024 is the third consecutive year Amcham Vietnam has awarded the ESG Impact Showcase award to EQuest

In the future, EQuest will continue to invest heavily in community education projects, not only in disadvantaged areas, but also to create opportunities for all students to access high-quality education. The company will also prioritize international cooperation programs, sharing knowledge with the world's leading educational institutions. Through advanced training programs and international partnerships, EQuest constantly innovates and improves the quality of education with the desire to build a modern education system, while upholding core values ​​of social responsibility and commitment to the community.

“Not only stopping at the achievements, EQuest also aims to continue expanding and improving educational programs, building a more comprehensive and sustainable education system,” said Ms. Tran Thi Thu Thuy - Director of ESG EQuest Education Group.

EQuest Education Group is one of the largest private education organizations in Vietnam with 25 member units, training more than 362,000 students each year in the system of general schools; universities, colleges and vocational schools; English training centers and study abroad consulting; and educational technology platforms.

In June 2021, KKR, an investment fund with total assets of approximately $470 billion, invested in EQuest and continued to invest for the second time in May 2023, bringing the total capital to $220 million. In June 2022, EQuest achieved international accreditation from Cognia.

The Dinh